Neurosurgeon Information

We met with the neurosurgeon, Dr. McCutcheon, this morning. He said that it is very common for tumors to grow on the edge of the void from the last surgery. He showed us on the MRI that this new growth is just to the right of the void, close to where there is a natural division between the left and right brain. Right now it is very small and in an area where seizures and motor functions are not a concern. That's great news. They will remove the surrounding area around the tumor so that the tumor doesn't spread to the right side of the brain. He was very optimistic that the surgery was not as extensive as the last one--only lasting about 4 hours--compared to the 8-9 hour last time. Kyle should handle it fairly well. We feel reassured that this is the right thing to do at this time. We have an appointment with the oncologist this afternoon and will post that information later.

An Update

We were hoping to hear from MD Anderson before the weekend, but when we hadn't heard from them by early Friday afternoon I (Lynette) called them only to receive their voice mailbox. Thankfully, they called early this morning to inform us that surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27. Thanks for all of your prayers. We will keep you posted with any new updates.

MRI Results

Bad news, the MRI reveled a tumor that is about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide it just outside the cavity of my first surgery. The other part that is bad, is the oncologist said that the chemo does not seem to be keeping this at bay, so he suggested that we go back to MD Anderson and have it surgically removed. He felt that was the best option, so we are currently talking with MD Anderson and sending the MRI's that I have had here to them. Then they can let us know if it is in a place where they can operate on it. We are praying that it is. We will try and keep the blog up to date with any new information. I personally am feeling really good, it was a big shock that the MRI, came back with something, as I have been feeling strong and more normal. Just another leason in patience.

Things still going very well.

It is hard to believe that it has been a full year since this blog was started, a lot has happened the past year. Thank you again for all the prayers, thoughts, acts of kindness for my family and myself. I have a wonderful family and love them all. We did just get together a little while ago, before Tony had to ship out and took a family picture. I thought I would post it and pray this next year will still find success in beating this cancer thing. I have another MRI in 3 weeks, and will post the results when I have them. Bryce and I had a great time snowmobiling this last Saturday. It felt great to get out and play. I am a little sore from getting tossed off couple of times, but if you are not riding hard, your not playing hard :)

-Kyle

MRI Clean again. (Alyssa called to serve in Russia)

So I had another MRI on Friday and it came back clear again, which is wonderful news. I even went snowmobiling again, this time with Alyssa. Getting her acclimated to the cold for her mission to Russia next year. Yes, she has been called to serve in the Russia Yekaterinburg Mission. We are excited for her and she is excited to go as well. I am getting stronger each day and feeling better. I love life, and family and my job and am thankful for the many blessings in my life.

-Kyle

Feeling more normal

So Bryce and I are able to go snowmobiling again, feels good to be feeling more normal each day. Wow we have a lot of snow already here in Utah. Looking forward to a good season this year.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, its been a long year. Looking forward to 2011. I am so blessed. I have the best family and friends. I feel so blessed this year having gone through these trials. I am so grateful to family and friends and all of you. Your prayers, thoughts, kind words of encouragement, and your warm love to my family and myself. While I am looking forward to next year, looking forward to May, when I might be able to get off of chemotherapy. I also feel sad that this year is coming to a close. I have so missed the BYU 173rd ward, and BYU 6th stake. I am enjoying going to church with my family. As a family, we decided to go see the lights on temple square, so here is a little photo of our trip. It was very cold! I even had to wear my beanie cap. But it was nice to have most of us for the trip, Jocelyn and Tony were still in Virgina, but will be here for new years day. Looking forward to that. We had a wonderful Christmas together and again want to share my love and thanks to all of you. I am feeling stronger and better everyday. Bryce and I are going snowmobiling for New Years day, looking forward to that. One of my most selfish fun things to do. And Alyssa and I have already put a trip down in her busy calendar before she leaves for the mission field. Yes, she has submitted her papers to go on a mission. We are very excited for her. We have big map of the world on the wall in our family room where we have all marked where we think she might go. Should find out in a couple of weeks. Take care and God bless you all.

-Kyle